Focusing on interior design, architecture, hospitality, spa and lifestyle, the books I've written are guides to gorgeous places to stay and experience things Asian as well as showcases of Asian art, architecture and design. Focusing on a region so rich in talent and tradition has been immensely rewarding. Click on the titles above to find out more about each book. |
| Bali Living Innovative Tropical Design A collaboration between architect Gianni Francione, photographer Masano Kawana and myself, this book showcases a fascinating selection of post-millennium contemporary tropical residences and buildings in Bali. Individually handpicked by Gianni, all the structures represent to some degree Bali's continuing new tropical international trend that has become a benchmark for tropical living. The texts include interviews and views of/with owners, architects and interior designers, so BALI LIVING (Periplus Editions, 2008) is a great resource for tropical dream seekers everywhere. |
 |
 |
| Spa Village
Honouring Healing Traditions This book showcases six beautifully designed, culture-rich spas and retreats run by Spa Village, Asia's top spa brand. SPA VILLAGE (Talisman Publishing, 2008) explores the spas, their locales and treatments along with the fascinating history behind their inception. With roots in Ayurveda, Chinese Traditional Medicine, rural herbalism and shamanism, Unani and the practices of forest-dwelling indigenous peoples, each and every spa ritual is an experience not to be missed. Gorgeous full-colour photography captures many of these treatments, while spa environs, historical anecdotes and key personnel are also beautifully highlighted. |
 |
| Tropical Hotels Published as a follow up to ASIAN STYLE HOTELS this book, (Tuttle Publishing, 2009) comprises a stunning showcase of the best hotels and resorts in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Java and Bali. Including some of the opulent hotels of Empire, as well as modernist cubes of cool, rustic retreats in the hills and some drop-dead gorgeous urban hostelries, it is a great Asian source book for the well-heeled traveller. The introduction gives a brief summary of the different waves of Western tourist to hit Asia's shores. |
 |
 |
|
Bali Home Inspirational Design Ideas Bali's status as the global leader in tropical design is showcased in all its glory in BALI HOME(Tuttle Publishing, 2009). With coverage of over 100 homes, garden estates, hotels, restaurants and more, the book gives a tantalizing glimpse into the latest design trends coming out of the island. Full-colour photographs of interiors and exteriors, gardens, pools and pavilions, decorative details and architectural concepts, is accompanied by an insightful text that gives specialist interior design tips. |
 |
| The Indian Spa After a year of research delving into the subcontinent’s rich history and culture of natural medicine, beauty and wellness, I have finally completed my dream project THE INDIAN SPA (Talisman Publishing, 2007). A must-have guide to India’s ancient healing systems, with extraordinary photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, it is the first of its kind in its field. Encompassing the mind, body and spirit in its entirety, Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, Siddha, Unani, naturapathy, beauty therapies and more are covered in detail. A lavish showcase of India’s hotel, resort and day spas, retreats, Ayurvedic centres and yoga schools completes the book. |
 |
 |
Asian Bar & Restaurant Design
The nascent hospitality industry in South East Asia has finally come of age with a plethora of restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges that fully compete in the international arena. This book (Periplus Editions, 2006) showcases 45 such establishments in Bali, Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur: some are locally designed, some conceptualized by international design stars, but all are unique in terms of form, function and visuals. Chosen by myself, and photographed by Masano Kawana, they are exemplary of the flair coming out of the region. Floor plans and elevations add more detail, while texts include interviews with owners, designers, architects and more.
|
 |
 |
| Asian Style Hotels A follow up to COOL HOTELS, this is a high-end, high-style book on the finest hotels and resorts in Bali, Java, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. A second collaboration between myself, photographer Jacob Termansen and stylist Pia Marie Molbech, ASIAN STYLE HOTELS (Periplus Editions, 2005) features nearly 40 cutting edge hotels, resorts and retreats in the southeast Asian region. The challenge here was to write texts that didn't echo the previous hotel book, and give these properties a unique voice. |
 |
 |
Modern Asian Living
In recent years Asian design in architecture, interiors and product design has catapulted on to the global stage. MODERN ASIAN LIVING (Periplus Editions, 2005) showcases a number of brand new properties - be they shops, homes, holiday houses, restaurants, bars or offices that represent this new wave of Asian talent. Two Bangkok-based designers selected and styled each interior, and I was commissioned to write accompanying texts. |
|
Cool Hotels The first book that I authored in its entirety, COOL HOTELS (Periplus Editions, 2003) was a labour of love. I spent the first 17 years of my life in the Indian subcontinent, so reconnecting with past friends and making new ones while researching this book was a wonderfully rewarding experience. As was choosing, visiting and writing about nearly 40 stunning properties, and working with great friends photographer Jacob Termansen and stylist Pia Marie Molbech. Texts are anecdotal, descriptive and (I hope) do justice to the stunning hotels, resorts and retreats featured here. |
 |
The bestselling TROPICAL ASIAN STYLE (Periplus Editions, 1997) was a landmark book in the Asian interior design genre. Choosing gorgeous interiors, commissioning authors, artists and architects, selecting quotes and working closely with a great photographic and design duo garnered sensational results. The book just sells and sells!
Tropical Asian Style
